Select Board fills multiple seats, urges better application packet availability and volunteer outreach

The Select Board voted unanimously to appoint the individuals on the night’s appointment list to their respective town boards and committees, including two residents appointed to the Conservation Commission and Garland Morris Jr. to the Manchester Housing Authority.

Tony (town staff) explained that the night’s appointments covered incumbents whose terms expire June 30, 2026 and two open Conservation Commission seats that needed filling before a scheduled Land Use hearing later this month (to comply with procedural rules requiring commissioners to participate in each meeting). The two residents introduced themselves: Martha Farmer described marsh restoration experience at her property and familiarity with wetlands protection law; Arnold Iola described an engineering background, local work, and long scouting leadership experience.

Board members noted an operational gap: some applications were not included in the meeting packets. Members asked staff to ensure that future appointment packets include the applicants’ completed forms so the Board can review qualifications in advance. Select Board members also discussed targeted recruitment for adjudicatory boards that are short‑staffed (for example, the Board of Health and ZBA associate positions) and suggested evening meeting times to broaden the applicant pool.

On a separate vacancy, the Board appointed Garland Morris Jr. to the Manchester Housing Authority to fill a resignation until the next annual town election (May 18, 2027). Members said the appointment gives the Housing Authority a full board for its next meeting.

Ending: The Board asked staff to continue active recruitment campaigns (including Festival by the Sea outreach) and to present applicant forms in future packets so members can review qualifications ahead of votes.